Who's the best running back in Buffalo?

Two weeks into Fred Jackson's three-week audition as the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills and he's starting to make believers out of a lot of people. Against the New England Patriots in Week 1, he accounted for 130 total yards and a touchdown, then followed that up with an 188 yard performance against the Tampa Bay Bucs. Not bad for a guy who played college football at Coe College in Sioux City, Iowa, went undrafted, then played two seasons for the Sioux City Bandits of the National Indoor Football League, then played one season for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europa, and then finally got an invitation to the Buffalo's training camp in 2006. After a journey like that I'd say he's finally arrived.

But lets not forget about Marshawn Lynch. The guy who's basically carried the Bills offense the last two seasons, rushing for over a 1,000 yards and collecting at least 7 TD's in each season. Without much of a passing game, Lynch has had to consistently be the best player on the field and he's been able to answer the call. He's got a bruising downhill running style and an intensity that keeps his legs driving all the way through the run. It's not surprising that his teammates call him "The Beast" because he runs like one. As a pure running back, I'd put Lynch in the same conversation with top-tier backs like Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, but unfortunately having success in the running game takes more than just a great running back.

It's always interesting how success in the running game is so dependent on success in the passing game, and I think Buffalo is a great example of this. With a healthy Trent Edwards playing well and Terrell Owens playing opposite long time go-to guy Lee Evans, Buffalo might just start getting some offense through the air. If that happens, then I think opposing defenses will have to soften up against the run and either Jackson or Lynch or a combination of the two will have a big season.

When Lynch's suspension ends after this weekend, I fully expect him to regain his role as the #1 running back in Buffalo. This might include a few more touches per game for Jackson moving forward, but Lynch is going to be the guy Buffalo leans on in the running game. Jackson's amazing journey to the NFL is truly remarkable, but to win games you've got to put the best guys on the field, your play-makers, and Lynch is one of those guys.

Fantasy Impact: Even after missing the first 3 games of the season, I'm still extremely high on Lynch and think that he'll reach 1,000 yds. and 7 TD's again by the end of the season. Given his current situation, he's certainly a buy-low candidate right now and is probably available in your league for the right price.